The 32-year-old was one of RCB’s biggest buys in the 2025 auction, purchased for ₹8.75 crores. However, despite the franchise clinching their maiden IPL title, the England star endured a dismal 2025 campaign. Livingstone scored only 112 runs at an average of 16 across 10 outings.
When it came to two other overseas stars, Josh Hazlewood and Phil Salt, Suresh Raina felt that RCB should retain both players. Hazlewood led RCB’s bowling attack manfully, finishing with 22 wickets at an average of under 18 in 12 matches. Hazlewood was priced at ₹12.50 crores.
Phil Salt, who came to RCB at a similar price of ₹11.50 crores, impressed in his maiden season with the team. The England opener scored 403 runs at an average of 33.58 and a strike rate of nearly 176 across 13 games.
Meanwhile, teams are expected to submit their retention and release lists ahead of the IPL 2026 auction on Saturday, November 15.
### Suresh Raina Backs RCB to Retain Two Star Indian Players
Suresh Raina has also called on RCB to retain the Indian duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jitesh Sharma ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar impressed with the new ball and occasionally at the death during the 2025 season, finishing with 17 wickets at an average of 28.41 in 14 matches. He was one of RCB’s big buys in the IPL 2025 auction, acquired for ₹10.75 crores.
On the other hand, Jitesh Sharma was RCB’s unsung hero in their title run earlier this year, scoring vital runs in the middle and end overs. The wicketkeeper-batter finished with 261 runs at an average of over 37 and a strike rate of 176.35 in 15 games. The franchise acquired Jitesh for a similar price of ₹11 crores.
With the IPL 2026 auction on the horizon, the decisions on retaining these key players will be crucial for RCB’s campaign next season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/news-suresh-raina-picks-star-all-rounder-released-rcb-squad-ahead-ipl-2026-auction